Instructions
Read each statement below, and, using the following scale, decide how accurately it describes your team:
Strongly disagree: 0 points
Disagree: 1 point
Agree: 2 points
Strongly agree: 3 points
Place the point value of your answer choice on the blank line at the beginning of each statement below:
____ 1. The team leader provides team members with constructive feedback in a supportive, respectful, and timely manner.
____ 2. Team members provide one another with constructive feedback in a supportive, respectful, and timely manner.
____ 3. Team members ask one another for feedback on their performance.
____ 4. Team members are open to receiving feedback from one another; they do not become defensive.
____ 5. The team leader welcomes constructive feedback from team members.
____ Total score
Interpreting Your Scores
0 to 5. Team members are provided with little to no feedback, or the feedback they do receive is intended to be purely punitive. In such an environment people become highly defensive, and they may even seek to hide their mistakes or shortcomings for fear of being reprimanded. Individual growth and development are stifled. The team leader likely provides feedback only at performance review time, which we all know is largely worthless. Should you find yourself in the position of wanting feedback, we recommend that you take the initiative and request it—whether you will get any is up in the air.
6 to 10. Feedback is likely intermittent, and it is typically given only when a mistake has been made and someone needs to be held accountable. When feedback is given, it is likely vague and not particularly helpful. For example, “You really should have done a better job with that report.” Feedback is viewed as going in one direction; it is not a collaborative conversation. There may also be a lack of consistency with who regularly gets feedback and how supportive that feedback is. Team members with close relationships may offer one another straight and constructive feedback, but doing so outside of their in-group would be highly unlikely.
11 to 15. Your team has a culture in which team members welcome feedback and request it from others because they understand its value and ability to make them better. Team members understand that not giving feedback would actually be disrespectful. Team members and the team leader are skilled at giving practical, effective, and concrete guidance. Teams can achieve SuperTeam status only when all players serve as coaches to one another.
